Lancashire Announce Spicy New Deal

Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) is delighted to announce another major signing for the club, this time in the world of culinary specialty.

Lancashire and Payal Events have signed a unique agreement which will see the award winning event production company hold bespoke functions in Old Trafford Cricket Ground’s spectacular new Marquee. Payal Events is the industry leader when it comes to organising events for the Asian market, and employ a multi-national team of full-time chefs, including Punjabi, Muslim and Sri Lankan professionals to produce the finest of Asian cuisine.

This is the first time an external events and catering company have been allowed to run their own functions at Old Trafford, making this a unique partnership. Lancashire has an excellent reputation for delivery high quality conference and banqueting events, and by teaming up with Payal, the club is now able to cater for the growing Asian market.

The North West population is a tapestry of ethnic groups and nationalities, with a large percentage coming from Asian counties. This diversity has been reflected for many years in the crowds that attend International matches at Old Trafford featuring India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Over the years, Lancashire have also been well represented by stars of Asian cricket from both home and abroad, including Wasim Akram, Muttiah Muralitharan, Farokh Engineer, VVS Laxman, Dinesh Mongia, Sanath Jayasuriya and Bolton’s own Sajid Mahmood

Owner and founder of Payal Events, Raj Somaiya said: “Few organisations in the North West have such distinguished connections with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as Lancashire County Cricket Club. And our chefs, too, have direct experience and international reputations in the cuisines of all three countries – so that makes Payal especially proud to have been selected as the club’s first specialist caterer for Asian events. We look forward to a long association.”

LCCC’s Commercial Director Geoff Durbin said: “We are proud to already have close relationships with the Asian community in the north-west, primarily through cricket in view of the many international matches played here over the years featuring teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This new association will see that special relationship extended with our unique ability to host Asian catering events, thank to the expertise provided by Payal, and we are delighted to be forming this new partnership with them.”

The Old Trafford Marquee made its debut on Friday night, holding Key103’s “All Things Christmas” party. The Marquee accommodates 700 seated guests, has its own fabulous reception area plus fully functioning kitchen.